Translation guide
How to express that something has been recognized, accepted, or confirmed in Japanese, depending on the context and level of formality.
To formally acknowledge that you have received something (e.g., a document, email) or understood a point.
Polite phrase meaning 'I understand' or 'I acknowledge'. Commonly used in business settings to confirm you have received and understood a request or information.
メールを承知しました。
I acknowledge receipt of your email.
Very polite phrase used in customer service or formal situations to mean 'Certainly' or 'Understood'. It acknowledges a request and indicates you will comply.
かしこまりました。すぐに対応いたします。
Acknowledged. I will attend to it immediately.
Formal phrase meaning 'I have acknowledged/approved'. Often used when you have been informed of something and accept it.
変更点を了承しました。
I acknowledge the changes.
To casually acknowledge that you heard or understood someone in everyday conversation.
Casual way to say 'Got it' or 'I understand'. Used among friends, family, or close colleagues.
明日までにやるよ。わかった。
I'll do it by tomorrow. Got it.
Casual abbreviation of 了解しました, meaning 'Roger' or 'Copy that'. Common in informal settings, but can sound blunt if used with superiors.
Avoid using with superiors or in formal situations; it can sound too curt.
集合は3時ね。了解！
We're meeting at 3, right? Acknowledged!
Informal grunt meaning 'yeah' or 'uh-huh', used to show you are listening or acknowledge a statement. Very casual.
これ、お願いね。うん、わかった。
Can you do this? Yeah, got it.
To recognize someone's presence, effort, or achievement publicly or formally.
Verb meaning 'to acknowledge/recognize' someone's ability, achievement, or existence. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼の功績は広く認められている。
His achievements are widely acknowledged.
Formal expression meaning 'to express gratitude/acknowledgment'. Often used in speeches or official statements.
ご支援に感謝の意を表します。
We acknowledge your support with gratitude.
Formal term meaning 'to acknowledge/recognize' in an official or legal sense, such as acknowledging a government or a fact.
その国は新政府を認知した。
The country acknowledged the new government.
To admit or accept that something is true, especially when it is unpleasant or previously denied.
Same verb as above, but used in the sense of 'to admit/acknowledge' a fact or mistake.
彼は自分の間違いを認めた。
He acknowledged his mistake.
To confess or acknowledge something one has been hiding, often used for crimes or secrets.
彼は罪を白状した。
He acknowledged his guilt.
English often uses 'acknowledged' as a standalone confirmation (e.g., in radio communication). In Japanese, a single word equivalent is rarely used; instead, use context-appropriate phrases like 了解 or 承知しました. Using 認める in such contexts would be unnatural.
了解しました。
Acknowledged.
Both are polite acknowledgments, but かしこまりました is more humble and often used in customer service. 承知しました is slightly less formal and can be used among colleagues. In very casual settings, 了解 is common but can be rude to superiors.